Where is Great Lakes AI Week held?

Great Lakes AI Week is hosted at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Bowling Green, Ohio. BGSU is just 30 minutes from Toledo and within easy reach of Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, and Chicago, making it a central location for attendees across the Great Lakes region.

Why should I travel to Bowling Green for Great Lakes AI Week?

Bowling Green, Ohio offers a central location in the Great Lakes region, with direct access to AI leaders, innovators, and industry experts. Attendees from cities like Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, and Milwaukee can easily travel in to participate in this premier AI conference.

How do I get to BGSU?

Bowling Green State University is easily accessible by car via I-75 and by air through nearby Toledo and Detroit airports. Approximate drive times: Detroit (1.5 hrs), Cleveland (2 hrs), Columbus (2.5 hrs), Chicago (4.5 hrs), Milwaukee (5 hrs).

Who should attend Great Lakes AI Week?

Executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, policymakers, and technology professionals from across Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. The event is designed for leaders in the Great Lakes and Midwest who want to understand how AI is transforming industries.

What makes the Great Lakes region important for AI?

The Great Lakes region is home to top universities, Fortune 500 companies, and thriving startup ecosystems. Cities like Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, and Milwaukee are leading in industries such as automotive, healthcare, finance, logistics, and manufacturing, making the region a growing hub for applied AI.

What’s included with my ticket?

Tickets include access to keynotes, breakout sessions, networking events, sponsor activations, and curated matchmaking opportunities. Attendees also receive session recordings and post-event materials. Networking highlights include opportunities with leaders from Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Milwaukee, and beyond.

Will there be networking opportunities?

Yes. Great Lakes AI Week features receptions, meetups, and curated networking designed to help attendees from across the Great Lakes region connect with peers, collaborators, and potential partners.

Great Lakes AI Week | By The Numbers

Oct 29

Written By Zack Huhn

Great Lakes AI Week 2025 is shaping up to be one of the largest AI events in the region! The week features community-powered programming daily, and is anchored by a three-day leadership conference presented by Enterprise Technology Association, JobsOhio, and Actual Reality Technologies.

Here is an inside look at Great Lakes AI Week, By The Numbers:

1500 expected attendees and participants
500+ businesses and organizations represented
125+ speakers and presenters
100+ sessions and events
80+ volunteers and host committee members
50+ sponsors and events partners
10+ dedicated networking opportunities and receptions
3 days of AI Week conference programming and workshops
1 Goal: Catalyze the development of an Intelligent Great Lakes Region

Leadership Conference Event Highlights:

Community Day: Tuesday, November 4th
- Virtual AI Masterclass presented by USAII
- AI Training Workshops at The University of Toledo College of Engineering (Get AI Certified!)
- AI Woodstock Community Happy Hour @ Maumee Bay Brew Co Sponsored by RGP
Conference, AI Leadership Summit: Wednesday, November 5th
- AI Leadership Summit @ Bowling Green State University
- Awards & VIP Reception
Conference, AI for Business Summit: Thursday, November 6th
- AI for Business Summit @ Bowling Green State University
- Women in AI and Business Breakfast
- Closing Reception Sponsored by NOIC

View Events Calendar

Zack Huhn

Great Lakes AI Week | By The Numbers

Here is an inside look at Great Lakes AI Week, By The Numbers:

Leadership Conference Event Highlights: